Life Science

Changes Over Time

Life Science

Changes Over Time

Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin is the father of the theory of evolution. He did studies on the fiches of the Galapagos Islands and observed the differences between the birds. These birds were all "related" but developed different traits and adaptations. The traits and adaptations varied depending on the food source available and for protection.

Evolution

Evolution is the gradual change in a species over a time. Darwin thought the finches were once similar on the mainland and then became different once they spread out to the islands. This was Darwin's scientific theory which is a well-tested concept that explains a range of observations. Darwin did not know how these changes happened over time but over time other scientists would help back his theory with an explanation.

Natural Selection

The process of natural selection is where organisms are better adapted to their environment and therefore are more likely to survive and reproduce. This does not lead to overproduction of offspring due to a variety of factors that impact the rise and lowering of the population.

Evidence

There is a lot of evidence that supports evolution. Fossils are the major component of looking at the history of organisms. Scientists can look at the different stages of animals over time and compare the organisms over thousands of years. During early development some animals of a very different species have similar embryonic stages. DNA similarities and similarities in body structures such as homologous structures also back the theory of evolution.